From our Geneva home to yours

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the holiday elves have been very busy creating a magical experience in Geneva for its 45th Christmas Walk on Dec. 7 and House Tour festivities Dec. 7 and 8. Among the twinkling lights and fresh greenery lined streets, chestnuts will roast over open fires, carolers will fill the night air with seasonal favorites and a live Nativity scene will take place. Dazzling window displays brimming with gift ideas invite shoppers to stroll through shops as merchants serve holiday refreshments.

This popular and family friendly event will treat visitors to a very merry Friday evening full of hometown traditions as well as special treats — the arrival of Santa Lucia, Christmas cookies, the Great Tree lighting, homemade candy canes, and… a visit from Santa with the opening of his Gingerbread House.

Treat yourself to the Christmas House Tour on Friday and Saturday. Five charming homes, aglow with holiday decorations, will open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. The personality of each home will illuminate when local decorators and landscapers work with homeowners to create holiday magic. A Holiday Tea held at the Congregational Church in Geneva is included in the $30 price of the ticket.

Both events are presented by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Geneva and community volunteers. Proceeds from the house tour go to decorating the downtown for the holidays. Let us show you our warmth and hospitality as a visit to Geneva becomes part of your holiday celebration.

For information about the Geneva Christmas Walk, visit genevachamber.com or call 630-232-6060.

&#151;Jean Gaines, President Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Walk and Tour

What: Christmas Walk events include visits from Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, the tree lighting, roasted chestnuts, carolers, shopping and many other family events. Five festively decorated homes on the Christmas House Tour.